We have been spoiled with elite college basketball this year, as we reach the halfway point of the season. This year has been dominated by an incredibly strong class of freshmen, a few elite undefeated teams, and plenty of upsets. So, let’s do a little recapping.

So far this year, there are five teams still undefeated. Four of them are ranked: Arizona, Iowa State, Nebraska, and Vanderbilt, while Miami (OH) is the fifth undefeated team. Arizona has been elite all year, racking up big wins against Florida, UCLA, UConn, Auburn, and Alabama. Iowa State has been a surprise, but they have proven just how good they are by starting the year off 16-0. Nebraska and Vanderbilt are also 16-0. 

As for the other best teams this year, UConn, Michigan, Purdue, Duke, and Houston have all played amazing basketball, with only one loss each. However, that was expected out of those teams. Gonzaga has shocked some people, starting the year 17-1. Michigan State has started the year on a bright note, too, playing to a 14-2 record. 

The top overall seeds in the bracketology are Michigan, Iowa State, Arizona, and UConn. Vanderbilt, Purdue, Gonzaga, and Duke round out the top eight overall seeds. Obviously, there are still two more months left in the season before March Madness, and a lot can happen. 

Let’s talk about players

This year, we have been witness to some of the best freshmen in recent history. This upcoming draft class could easily go down as one of the best and deepest in history. At the top of the freshmen class are forwards AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, both of whom are averaging just under 23 points per game. Besides them, North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson has been impressing everyone, with 19.5 points per game and 11 rebounds per game. Other freshmen to watch are Darren Peterson and Mikel Brown – even though they have been battling with injuries, they are elite players. Other players worth getting a mention who aren’t freshmen are JT Toppin, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Joshua Jefferson. 

Over the next few months, be sure to watch out for these elite players and teams, as we are only about two months away from conference tournaments.